May 10, 2021
President Mindy Sehon called the meeting to order at noon, via Zoom, with 23 people in attendance. We broke into small groups for table talk.
Birthdays this week: Dale Warmuth & Carlton Nielsen. Lane Strope and Kurt Bartel have anniversaries this week..
Dr. Kim Bauriedel talked about our three latest Paul Harris Fellows. Ritchie Woods, Warren Ennis and Bert Campton were all founding members of the Rotary Club of Eureka.
Ritchie Woods (middle photograph) was born on June 11, 1890 in Field Landing, CA. In 1913 he went to San Francisco and passed the state examination for pharmacists. In 1916 he and John Atkinson bought out the Wells interest in the Eureka Drug Store, including the Rexall franchise. The Atkinson and Woods firm moved its location in 1918 to 5th and G Streets in Eureka where they remained for many years. They were very progressive offering things like a private phone booth, aromatherapy and massages. He was a charter member and first President of the Rotary Club of Eureka, serving in 1923-25. He was an extremely active Rotarian and had a nearly perfect attendance record. On Sunday September 5, 1954 at the age of 64 Ritchie Woods died, along with Dr. Vernon Hunt (orthodontist) and Dr. Frank Smith (Dentist). The three men were on a fishing trip three miles above Weitchpec. Woods was survived by his wife, a daughter and a son.
Warren E. Innes (right on photograph) was a native of Alameda and moved to Humboldt County in 1907. Innes was engaged in the split redwood industry and active in the community. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Eureka and served as secretary for 12 years (up until his death). He was also a prominent member of the Eureka Elks Lodge where he served as secretary for many years. Innes died suddenly at the age of 47 while on a hunting trip in southern Humboldt County. His body was packed out for nearly three miles on horseback before it was transferred to a car and later an ambulance once they reached the highway.
Louis Bertram Campton (left on photograph) was born in Hydesville in 1880 and moved to Eureka at the age of 15 when his father, T.J. Campton was elected county recorder. Campton’s son Donald and grandson, Bert have also been Rotarians with the Rotary Club of Eureka. Grandson, Bert Campton, is a Past President and member at the current time. Campton started a wholesale commission business in Eureka and later associated himself with Arthur Dalton, changing the company name to Campton & Dalton. He sold the business in 1930 and became an agent for Sperry products. In addition to being an active member of the Rotary Club of Eureka he was also involved with the Eureka Chamber of Commerce and Eureka Elks Lodge. Campton died January 18, 1935 from a heart attack at the age of 55. Campton was married to Elizabeth Campton and was laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.
Coming UP: Done in a Day Saturday, June 5th 2021 from 9am to 12pm at CASA of Humboldt. Details coming.
Recognition: Jennifer went to Hawaii. Kris Marquez received a new bike for Mother’s Day with a basket that her dog can ride in.
Speaker Alanna Powell had a family emergency and had to cancel so the meeting ended early.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30pm